Knifeman arrested trying to climb into Buckingham Palace

A man carrying a knife has been arrested trying to gain entrance to Buckingham Palace.

The 44-year-old man was apprehended ‘immediately’ when he attempted to enter the palace via the north centre gate at around 11.30am.

The Queen was not in the building when the man tried to get in, Buckingham Palace said without providing further comment.

The Metropolitan police said he had been arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site, contrary to section 128 of the Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, and possession of an offensive weapon.

The force added that no one had been injured in the incident and the ensuing arrest.

Police later said David Belmar, 44, had been charged with tresspass and possession of a bladed article.